What's Considered Rude Greetings in some Part of the World

Natasha Ang

Martina Videla Black

Ivan Singgit

Kathy Yuan

Rude Greeting from Over the World

There are some of the most important greetings that considered rude and cannot use around the world. Most of them are similar but some are different. As a result of, knowing these cultures may help you get away from contradictions.

Japan

Japanese like more space between themselves than others otherwise no space to bow. They also avoid touching because they feel uncomfortable. Eye contact is thought of as rude in Japan, they will often look down at their shoes or off in the air. In Japan, silence is golden and do not be surprised.

China

China has similar culture with Japan, both countries dislike being touched. However, Chinese consider eye contact as respect. You must have eye contact with the person you listen or talking to because that way they know you are with them. In addition, in China point with an open hand and never point with your index finger.

India

In India, they use right hand to eat, touch someone, pass or pick up things because left hand consider unclean. Females need to avoid eye contact and do not initiate conversation in public. Anyway, they also avoid other physical contact other than a handshake between males and females.

Turkey

Most of countries do not like people stand with your hands on you hips when talking to others and put your hands in your pockets, especially with older people. Besides, in Turkey, putting your thumb between your first two fingers is the equivalent to raising your middle finger in the US.

Germany

Germans like to treat people nicely when they get to know them better otherwise they may appear unfriendly. However, making hands into two fists, thumbs tucked inside the other fingers and making pounding motion lightly on a surface expresses “good luck.”  Instead, never use “OK” sign because it considered a rude attitude.

 

Taiwan

Taiwanese has similar culture with Chinese. No touching and never use feet to move things or to point at an object because feet considered dirty. Also putting your arm around someone’s shoulder, winking and pointing with your index finger are all considered rude.

Singapore

Singaporeans have opposite culture with Indians for example, Men and women may shake hands although the woman must extend her hand first to introduce each other. One interesting thing is that face is what makes Singaporeans strive for harmonious relationships. In Singapore, never signal or point at a person with the forefinger.

Vietnam

When trying to ger someone to come to you, lets say a waitress at a restaurant, do not point your finger and flex it toward your body as we do in America. If you use this method to beckon a Vietnamese local they may get upset. This is because this is how you call for an animal. Furthermore, beckoning signifies that person has a lower class than you so it can be very upsetting to older Vietnamese. Instead, keep your palm down and flex your entire hand, this will keep everyone happy.